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From Old School to New School

In keeping with its heritage, Ducati has been racing a steel trellis frame in MotoGP. Competitors have been racing stiff, aluminum frames. Next year, Ducati will race the Desmosedici GP9 with a carbon fibre frame. Arguably, it goes from the oldest frame design to the most modern in the paddock.

The benefits will be far greater stiffness and predictability from the chassis. Undoubtedly, this will make Nicky Hayden’s transition from Honda to Ducati easier, because Hayden was accustomed to a stiffer, aluminum chassis at Honda. Will the GP9 put Casey Stoner back on top next year? Maybe the new carbon fibre chassis is the missing link to Stoner’s second World title.